Whatever happened to the ‘April showers’? I have been heavily occupied with watering due to cracking ground and drooping leaves and not just for new plants. At the time of writing there are no clouds in a clear blue sky, and temperatures which rival far more southerly climes.
I first fell for peonies more than 60 years ago, when I inherited a huge clump of dark red, double flowering variety of unknown parentage, whose flowers flopped at the tiniest hint of rain but fragrance filled the garden. I have since discovered the wide range of species and hybrids now available and grow about a dozen in my relatively small garden. They require a deep rich and well drained soil, which should be well prepared before planting and regularly enhanced by topping with manure or compost. Many are self supporting if grown in borders with shelter or if needed, stake early in the season. The individual flowers are relatively fleeting but usually fragrant, and I have never seen one which wasn’t beautiful.
- Herbaceous Paeonia tenuifolia
- Tree Paeonia delavayi var. delavayi forma lutea
There are three varieties- herbaceous, tree (shrub) and recently a hybrid between the two called intersectional which has the prefix ‘Itoh’ in its title.
Herbaceous peonies have been cultivated for hundreds of years and the multitude of resulting crosses are readily available in nurseries and on-line.
Tree (or more properly shrub) peonies have species which grow to about 6 feet in height and whose woody stems remain through winter. They too, have long been in cultivation and are available in an increasing number of forms and colours following recent interest and demand.
Itoh peonies are a cross between the two former varieties and have some advantages over both. They have woody stems which do not need staking, are resistant to peony blight and flower for a longer period. The down side is the cost, which is increased due to difficulties in propagation. Length of flowering is increased by buds opening in succession rather than altogether.
All varieties have their own beauty, and correctly cultivated and maintained will give many years of pleasure.
Feature image: Herbaceous Paeonia ‘Flame’
May and June bring an abundance of gardens open for the National Garden Scheme.
Garregllwyd
Near Nantmel in Powys is Garregllwyd a 3 acre landscaped garden planned to cope with the exposed altitude and encourage abundant wildlife. May brings wonderful reflections of the surrounding specimen trees and late spring blossom in the large ponds. Bluebells and rhododendrons are flowering and greenhouses and raised beds start growing seasonal vegetables. Set at 1000 feet enjoy the stunning panoramic views.
Y Felin Rhyd Hir
Y Felin Rhyd Hir near Pwllheli in Gwynedd is a restored stone built corn mill dating back to the 1700’s. Carol and Adrian Priest have painstakingly renovated the water wheel and created beautiful grounds. The former mill pond is now a garden and a large new pond created by the old orchard with a vegetable garden and Victorian style greenhouse. Walk along the old course of the Mill leat beside a native woodland and the riverside path. Enjoy the views from a cabin on stilts overlooking a small lake that provides a further wildlife habitat.
17 Maes y Draenog
Moving south 17 Maes y Draenog sits in the shadow of Castell Coch in Tongwynlais north of Cardiff. This is a surprise of a hidden garden fed by a mountain stream with a wooden footbridge leading to a naturalised woodland area. Developed over the years the lawn slopes down to the stream with wetland borders and wonderful late spring flowers. Herbaceous borders, lavender beds, topiary hedging and greenhouse with vegetable garden surround the other sides. Not to be missed are the great teas and cakes that can be enjoyed while sitting in the summerhouse or seating areas overlooking the garden.
Fron Heulog
Fron Heulog south of Welshpool in Powys is an exceptional 1½ acre mature landscaped garden set in 8 acres of land managed for wildlife. This colourful, all season garden includes an exceptional range of plants and is divided into themed areas including: terraced rockery, mixed borders, unusual shrubs and trees, potager, butterfly and insect garden and dingle garden. A separate wildflower meadow can be explored via a network of paths and includes a wildlife pond, shepherd’s hut and magnificent views of the Montgomeryshire and Shropshire hills. Treat yourself to this special limited ticket one-day event hosted by the owners Annis Bratt and Tim Ward for the NGS. Your ticket will include an introductory talk followed by a guided tour and a home-made tea.
Ffynnon Las
Ffynnon Las, near Aberaeron is a 2 acre garden haven lovingly restored and created by the Roberts family since 1997. A lake was dug out in front of the house and two smaller ponds formed separated by a Monet style bridge with waterlillies. Large lawns are bordered by beds of mature shrubs and flowers. An ugly old swimming pool was demolished and is now a vegetable patch with raised beds! There is also an orchard of apple, plum and pear trees. A highlight in Spring is the work in progress of a wild flower meadow with spectacular wild orchids.
Pantybara
On a south facing hillside is Pantybara, Velindre Carmarthenshire. This one acre garden terraced on several levels is designed to provide year-round interest, produce food and benefit wild life. The garden includes a pond, bog garden, perennial and mixed borders and a vegetable garden. Dry stone walls have been used to separate the more cultivated areas from the scrub so the garden blends seemlessly with the wilder areas of the smallholding.
Usk Open Gardens
Usk Open Gardens is a group of around 10-15 private gardens open for the NGS over the last weekend in June. Set against the backdrop of Usk’s wonderful floral displays you can visit small cottage gardens packed with unusual plants to larger gardens with brimming herbaceous borders and a Gardeners’ Market with a great selection of interesting plants. This is a great day out for the family with plenty of places to eat and drink or why not picnic by the River Usk. Unmissable!
Last year Debbie Field NGS County Organiser for Gwent presented Mrs Rosie Humphreys with a plaque to celebrate opening Usk Castle Gardens for forty years. An amazing contribution!
Check out the Garden Events Calendar for more gardens open in your area.
Could you join us? The National Garden Scheme is only able to donate life changing amounts to their beneficiary health charities by having wonderful gardens to share. From country acres, a cottage garden, town garden, community allotment or a group of gardens all offer a unique and personal experience of their passionate garden owners. Visit: ngs.org.uk/get-involved/open-your-garden/
NGS Open Gardens
Welsh Country has two NGS open garden sections. The first ‘Open Gardens’ are gardens that are open on specific days and the ‘Long Term Open Gardens’ which are by appointment only. There is a search facility on each page so simply search for a garden name or an area of Wales (i.e. Swansea) you’d like to visit.
Words: Rob Dyer
Pictures: National Garden Scheme & Annette Dyer
National Garden Scheme: Frances Bowyer
